Orientation and Mobility Specialist

ABOUT OUR DISTRICT:

The Syracuse City School District is undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all - including students who fall behind or have been considered "hard to serve" for a host of reasons. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and he is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of school leaders and teachers to partner with him in moving the district toward its goals. The Syracuse City School District represents 34 schools and 4 alternative education programs, serving 19,000+ students Pre-K-12 of whom 77% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 18% are served by the Office of Special Education and 78% are students of color.

 JOB DESCRIPTION:

Orientation and Mobility Specialists in the Syracuse City School District are itinerant service providers. Our Orientation and Mobility Specialists travel between buildings to provide services and consult with classroom teachers, administrators, and teachers of the visually impaired. Duties of the selected candidate will include:

REPORTS TO: Assistant Superintendent for Special Education

SPECIFIC DUTITES:

• Assesses student's functional abilities for the purpose of determining program eligibility and developing recommendations.
• Collaborate with a variety of groups and individuals 9teacher of the visually impaired, students, parents, teachers, administrators, team members, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, resolving issues, and providing services in compliance with established guidelines.
• Consults with teachers, parents, other related service providers for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for service, making recommendations, and coordinating orientation and mobility services with other disciplines.
• Develops orientation and mobility plans for the purpose of ensuring compliance with IEP goals
• Instructs students in the use of various equipment and materials (e.g. tactile maps, models, low vision devices, adaptive mobility devices, long canes, tablet and mobile phone apps, electronic aids, etc.) for the purpose of minimizing the adverse impact of visual impairments and helping students reach their highest level of independence.
• Maintains a variety of documents, files, and records (e.g. progress reports, IEPs, activity logs, billing information, service plans, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of information as required for reference and compliance.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. IEPS, activity logs, correspondence, memos, treatment plans, reports, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and conveying information.
• Provides direct orientation and mobility instruction in appropriate settings for the purpose of developing student independent travel, daily living, recreation, leisure, and self-advocacy skills in compliance with established goals and objectives.
• Schedules orientation and mobility sessions for the purpose of directing services in an efficient and timely manner trains support staff, parents, and other personnel for the purpose of providing information to support students' independent movements and incorporating orientation and mobility techniques into daily classroom and home routines.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree in Education
• New York State Certification as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired
• Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist through ACVREP
• Minium of 2 years experience as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist

SALARY:

The current starting rating for this position is based in the Unit 1 Contractual Agreement. Salary is based on experience and education and may range from $53,000-94,300.

Individuals who may be available on a part-time basis to complete work through an independent contract agreement may also be considered.